Scientist warns about antibacterial soaps

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/09/17/you-should-really-stop-buying-...

brii · ‎06-20-2010

I stopped buying antibactieral soaps years ago.

GingerPeach · ‎03-12-2010

I'm so glad this information is still being shared.

I've NEVER bought anti-bacterial soaps.

First, the bacteria is not completely killed. So if some survives, it may possibly mutate, and/or still grow with any left behind.

Second, the whole concept behind washing (and the point of using soap or detergent) has been lost. Soap/detergent eliminates the surface tension that exists in water. Eliminating that tension allows the soap to disperse the bacteria and dirt, etc. so it is removed from the skin.

That's all you need to do! You don't need to kill to have effective control.

Finally, it's a whole mindset this culture has about KILLING everything as if that is the be-all and end-all answer.

That is simply wrong.

[was Homegirl] Love to be home . . . thus the screen name. Joined 2003.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

I've heard about this years ago but it's always good for another reminder or for those who don't know.

I have found it very difficult to find liquid hand soap that isn't anti-bacterial. Our local grocery store used to have their own brand called Valu-Time that was super cheap and really good. Then they discontinued it and now only bring it out around the holidays in various winter scents. I stock up when they do that.

Ladybug724 · ‎03-12-2010

What about hand sanitizer--anti-bacterial gel? I use that all the time.

brii · ‎06-20-2010

Thoroughly washing your hands and making a real effort to not put your hands to your face helps to avoid getting sick.

My sister drowns herself in hand sanitizer and every antibacterial known to man and is always sick.

We never get sick.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@brii wrote:
Thoroughly washing your hands and making a real effort to not put your hands to your face helps to avoid getting sick.

My sister drowns herself in hand sanitizer and every antibacterial known to man and is always sick.

We never get sick.

I just shake my head at people using everything anti-bacterial, won't touch anything and practically walk around in a bubble, only to be sicker than most others. I work with someone like that.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

Years ago when Bath and Body Works started using "anti-bac" everything, It was their "catch" word for everything current and in fashion. DH told me to stop buying it. I called the main office over and over, asking them to bring back the regular soaps as a choice for those of us who wanted to stay away from antibacterial soaps. They basically told me this was the future, and they were sorry but the regular soaps were discontinued. Finally, a few years ago, they started to bring some back as a choice, and I could once again buy them. DH would never let us use anything antibacterial in our home.

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

I'm also against the anti-bacterial craze and never participated, because the threat of germs mutating and becoming drug-resistant is pretty scary.

I notice grocery stores (at least some of them here) have hand-sanitizer dispensers so you can clean off the grubbiness of the folks who came before you. I walk on by, and make sure I wash my hands as soon as I get home.